CHARLOTTE — Having a rookie step up on offense is kind of expected, at least from wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan , who has been on one all year.

But for the Panthers Sunday in their 27-24 comeback win over the Dolphins, it was the third day of the 2025 draft that saved the day.

From fifth-round tight end Mitchell Evans ' game-winning touchdown reception to Jimmy Horn Jr. 's game-saving fourth-down catch in his first NFL game to running back Trevor Etienne subbing in for some big runs when needed, the Panthers got a lot of pop from their late-round rookies.

All three played a role in the game-winning drive, with quarterback Bryce Young unafraid to go to untested players with the game on the line.

"Yeah, we're counting on them," Panthers head coach Dave Canales said of the fir

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